Computer Graphics in Landscape Architecture

LA 411/511

Paul F. Anderson

• Examples of student projects
• Course description
• Files for AutoCAD exercises
• Requirements for project reports

EXAMPLES OF STUDENT PROJECTS

Project 3 CAD:

Project 3 Image editing:

Project 3 GIS:

Project 3 home pages:

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Course objectives

Apply computer graphics software to L.A. projects
Develop advanced skills in operating computer graphics programs
Discover the advantages and disadvantages of the approaches, software, and methods you use in the course
Evaluate the relative effectiveness and appropriateness of computer graphics, manual drafting, and freehand drawing

Prerequisites

DSN S 201 (or equivalent), L.A. 361, permission of instructor

Required

Three major projects (LA 411); four major projects (LA 511)
Exercises (CAD, image editing)
Portfolio-quality drawings
Typed report describing each of your projects

Course structure

Course materials and projects will be individualized for each of you. Computer graphics projects for this course should relate to projects in other L.A. courses you have taken or are taking. Course materials you will need include at least (a) one diskette for each of your graphic files on and (b) output paper or film.

Course grades

You will be graded on the following three things: attendance, attitude, and quality of your work. The quality of your work includes appearance of your graphic products (use of graphic and aesthetic principles), technical understanding and competency in software operation, usefulness of your results, and clarity/mechanics in writing your project reports. I have higher expectations of those wanting graduate credit (LA 511).

Texts

Required -- Applying AutoCAD, Terry Wohlers, Glencoe (used in Design Studies 201)
Recommended -- Essential PhotoShop Book, Eileen Mullin, Prima Publishing
HTML Web -- Advanced HTML Companion, Keith Schengili-Roberts, Academic Press

2-D CAD -- Mastering AutoCAD, George Omura, Sybex
3-D CAD -- AutoCAD 3-D Book, George Head, Ventana Press
CAD Reference -- AutoCAD Instant Reference, George Omura, Sybex
CAD Management -- 1000 AutoCAD Tips and Tricks, George Head, Ventana Press
CAD Periodicals -- CADENCE, Computer Graphics World

REQUIREMENTS FOR PROJECT REPORTS

Report

Typed with a word processor
Double-spaced, no cover page
One brief report for each project (maximum 2 pages per project)
Outline for each project report:

      1. Project background 
         a. Project location, project scope 
         b. Client, L.A. course 
      2. Process 
         a. Major steps in making the final drawing 
         b. Specific options or program commands you used 
      3. Evaluation of the process, software, and your results 
         a. What worked well 
         b. What didn't work well 
         c. Suggestions you have for improving the software 

Graphics

Portfolio quality output (hard copy or 35mm slides)
Copies for you, me, potential employers (your portfolio), clients, consultants

Files

3-1/2" High density diskette(s) or Zip disk with your drawing file(s)
Label on each disk with your name, date, file names
Or Email to me as a Eudora attachment: fridolph@iastate.edu

Project grades

You will be graded on the following three things: attendance, attitude, and quality of your work. The quality of your work includes appearance of your graphic products (use of graphic and aesthetic principles), technical understanding and competency in software operation, usefulness of your results, and clarity/mechanics in writing your project evaluation paper (part of your final report). I have higher expectations of those wanting graduate credit (LA 511).

Paul Anderson's home page

Last revision: 7 October 99